Supernovae and the Earth

Abstract

There should be a lot of supernova explosions near the Solar System since its formation. They have affected the Earth through strong electromagnetic waves, cosmic rays, and blasts. The ionization of the atmosphere by the strong cosmic rays varies the concentrations of ozone and oxides of nitrogen, probably resulting into climate changes. The strong cosmic rays may introduce the evolution and the extinctions of life on the earth. The cosmic rays also generate various radioactive elements through the collisions with the atoms in the atmosphere. Other radioactive elements such as 60Fe may be delivered directly from the supernovae. These elements likely preserved in geological samples of sediments and ice cores.